Afrobarometer: Tracking Public Opinion Across Africa
Capturing the voice of the people is essential for understanding the socio-political landscape of a continent. Afrobarometer serves as a critical instrument in this endeavor, providing rigorous, representative data on the experiences and views of African citizens. Since its inception, the organization has evolved into one of the most respected sources of public opinion research in Africa.
The Origins and Leadership of Afrobarometer
Founded in 1999, Afrobarometer was established through the collaborative efforts of three distinguished academics: Professor Robert Mattes of the University of Cape Town (then based at IDASA and currently at Strathclyde University), Emeritus Professor Michael Bratton of Michigan State University, and Emeritus Professor Emmanuel Gyimah-Boadi of the University of Ghana, Legon and CDD Ghana.
The organization continues to be guided by experienced leadership. Professor Mattes and Professor Bratton currently serve as senior advisors, with Bratton also holding a position on the board. Professor Gyimah-Boadi serves as the chairman of the board, while Dr. Joseph Asunka leads the organization as the CEO.
A Legacy of Comprehensive Survey Rounds
To maintain a longitudinal perspective on African society, Afrobarometer conducts periodic "rounds" of surveys. To date, the organization has completed nine main survey rounds, expanding its reach to a total of 41 African countries, supplemented by various individual surveys.
The growth of these surveys reflects an increasing commitment to data granularity. Early efforts began with predecessor surveys in Zambia (1993) and South Africa (1994), conducted by the Institute for Democracy in Africa, one of the founding institutions.
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Timeline of Survey Expansion
The scale of data collection has grown significantly over the last two decades:
- Round 1 (1999–2001): Covered 12 countries.
- Round 2 (2002–2003): Covered 16 countries (including a Zimbabwe survey in early 2004).
- Round 3 (2005–2006): Covered 18 countries.
- Round 4 (2008–2009): Covered 20 countries.
- Round 5 (2011–2013): Covered 35 countries.
- Round 6 (2014–2015): Covered 36 countries.
- Round 7 (2016–2018): Covered 34 countries.
- Round 8 (2019–2021): Conducted from the latter half of 2019 through late 2021.
- Round 9 (2022–2023): The most recent main round, concluding in early 2023.
Advanced Data and Global Recognition
Beyond standard polling, Afrobarometer has enhanced its data offerings through strategic partnerships. By collaborating with AidData, a development research lab at the College of William and Mary, the organization has made subnationally geocoded data available for Rounds 1 through 6 (covering 1999–2015). Geocoded data refers to information that is linked to specific geographic coordinates, allowing researchers to analyze trends at a more localized level.
This commitment to excellence has earned the organization international acclaim. The Global Go To Think Tank Index Report, published by the Lauder Institute at the University of Pennsylvania, has consistently ranked Afrobarometer as one of the world's best institutional collaborations involving two or more think tanks.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1999 by Robert Mattes, Michael Bratton, and Emmanuel Gyimah-Boadi.
- Scope: 9 main survey rounds covering 41 African countries.
- Leadership: Chaired by Emmanuel Gyimah-Boadi with Dr. Joseph Asunka as CEO.
- Data Innovation: Partnership with AidData provides geocoded data for 1999–2015.
- Accolades: Recognized by the Lauder Institute as a top institutional collaboration of think tanks.
| Survey Round | Timeframe | Countries Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | 1999–2001 | 12 |
| Round 2 | 2002–2004 | 16 |
| Round 3 | 2005–2006 | 18 |
| Round 4 | 2008–2009 | 20 |
| Round 5 | 2011–2013 | 35 |
| Round 6 | 2014–2015 | 36 |
| Round 7 | 2016–2018 | 34 |
| Round 8 | 2019–2021 | Not specified |
| Round 9 | 2022–2023 | Not specified |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded Afrobarometer?
Afrobarometer was founded in 1999 by Professor Robert Mattes, Emeritus Professor Michael Bratton, and Emeritus Professor Emmanuel Gyimah-Boadi.
How many countries has Afrobarometer surveyed?
The organization has conducted surveys covering a total of 41 African countries across its nine main rounds.
What is subnationally geocoded data?
Subnationally geocoded data is information linked to specific geographic locations within a country. Afrobarometer provides this for Rounds 1-6 through a partnership with AidData.
Who currently leads the organization?
The board is chaired by Emmanuel Gyimah-Boadi, and the CEO is Dr. Joseph Asunka.
Has Afrobarometer received any international awards?
Yes, it has been consistently ranked as one of the world's Best Institutional Collaborations involving two or more Think Tanks by the Global Go To Think Tank Index Report from the Lauder Institute, University of Pennsylvania.